The market experienced a broad selloff on Thursday, driven by renewed fears of AI disruption spilling beyond tech into sectors like software, real estate, transportation/logistics, and more. Futures are roughly flat to slightly lower in early premarket trading. Sentiment reflects an attempt to stabilise after Thursday’s heavy selling, but volatility remains elevated due to AI-related concerns (e.g., worries about disruption in traditional sectors) and broader rotation away from megacap tech.
All eyes are on the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) release at 1.30pm (GMT). A cooler-than-expected print could ease inflation fears, support bonds (lower yields), and provide a tailwind for stocks by reinforcing hopes for Fed policy flexibility. Hotter-than-expected data might reignite concerns about persistent inflation, pressure equities further (especially growth/tech), and keep yields elevated.